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Original article: “Eligieron a Kast y otra vez la guerra violenta contra la juventud”: Petro reacciona a represión policial contra estudiantes en Chile

Colombian President Gustavo Petro Condemns Police Violence Against Students in Chile Following Government Cuts

Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to the police repression that occurred on Wednesday in Chile against students who took to the streets to protest against the government of José Antonio Kast and his decision to implement a 3% budget cut across all ministries, including Education, which impacts the development of school programs.

The marches were organized by the Confederation of Students of Chile (Confech), taking place in Santiago and several other cities nationwide, with participation from representatives of the Teachers’ Union, early childhood educators, and social organizations. In the capital, protesters were met with violent actions by Carabineros, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. The crackdown resulted in 35 arrests and multiple injuries, including a young law student from the University of Chile who suffered several fractures that will require surgical intervention.

In light of this situation, the Colombian leader took to social media, stating: «They elected Kast, and once again, there is a violent war against the youth.»

On his account on X, the progressive leader shared several videos showing how the students were violently repressed, gassed, pushed back, and soaked while trying to protest against the budget cuts implemented by Kast’s administration.

The progressive leader also shared a post referencing that this is the first massive march faced by the far-right Chilean leader since taking office, where demonstrators declared that the poor are not worthy of education in his government.

This post included an image capturing the moment a young student from the University of Chile was detained by the police, visibly injured and bleeding from the face.

Petro expressed his concern over the repression faced by Chilean students under the current government, stating: «Once again in Chile. Some people love to see the youth bleed and die without considering that they could be their children.»

Petro: «Kast Decided to Dismantle All Social Gains of Progressivism»

Through his account on X, he questioned Kast's election and noted that since he took office on March 11, his government has favored business sectors while applying cuts that have even weakened the education sector’s budget.

«After electing Kast in Chile, he decided to dismantle all social gains of progressivism. Instead of increasing taxes on the wealthy, he started to weaken the education budget,»

he stated. «That is how Chile is now,» he concluded, sharing footage of the massive protest by students in Santiago.

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